Memories

Chapter 6: Rocky

I was feeling out of the world ... something I never felt before. I was happy and proud of myself. I finally made a move. I finally gathered up the courage and expressed my feelings to a girl ... to Sarah.

I still was feeling her taste on my lips. I wish I had kept condoms with me. I could have pleased her more as she wanted. Anyway. I'm glad she enjoyed the moment with me. I know beauty is not everything to live a married life. There are a lot of other aspects to creating a healthy relationship. I want her, no doubt, based on whatever I have found about her characteristics. Yet, in case, if I or we find out we are not made for each other, I think I will not regret it. After all, I have learned to open up to a girl.

Indeed, I will need some more time to change myself, to be bold, and wild. Yet, I'm ready for it. I know I can do it. I can change. I can get a girl. I will not need to stay single forever.

I freshened up and set my hair. I wore my favorite black shoes. I grabbed my keys that lay on my study table. I walked out of the room and then to Sarah standing near the door.

"What took you so long?" she asked.

"I needed to wash my face and set my hair to look fresh and handsome."

"All right. Don't waste more time," she said. "The party will start in an hour, and the drive is about an hour and a half."

"Got you!" I extended my hand, and said, "Let's go!"

She held my palm, smiling.

I smiled back.

As I held the doorknob, she stood behind me. I pulled out the door. And swiftly, Sarah and I ended the grip on each other's hands. Our faces slightly portrayed fear.

"Mrs. Rodriguez!" I said.

"Were you holding hands?" she asked.

Fuck! I thought.

"No-o," stuttered Sarah. "Why would we?"

"Absolutely," I added quickly.

"I have seven kids. Two are already married. Three are in high school, and two are in middle school," she said. "You can't lie to me. I can tell it from your voice."

"Why would we lie to you?" I said. "We met today, only about an hour ago when she came here with her mom."

"He's right. We became friends just right now," said Sarah.

"And only in a few minutes, you guys became so close that you are going out together?" She raised her brow in wonder; her stare shifting from me to her to me and back to her.

I stood quiet as my brain didn't render any helpful answer.

"We are getting late," said Sarah. "You can think whatever you want to think. We are the same age, and we can do whatever we want, and we can be friends with anyone," she snapped.

I was also getting angry with Mrs. Rodriguez, but I don't have the courage to speak up against anyone of or around my mom's age. Since Sarah also was answering her patiently, I thought she would stay quiet or just excuse her to leave the house. However, the way she blasted at her was impressive.

The fact is I hate Mrs. Rodriguez. Whenever she comes to the house, she tries to make Mom go against me. She would say stuff to Mom that I wouldn't even know. Not only that, she would say it like she's hundred percent right, and I'm the worst person on this earth whom she must stop from going on the wrong path. I don't even understand I stay home almost all the time, then where she brings up all the wrong things about me to make Mom get angry at me.

Mrs. Rodriguez still stood at the door, blocking our way out.

Sarah held my hand and raised it up parallel to Mrs. Rodriguez's eyes.

"I hope you are happy now," said Sarah, angrily. "Now allow us to leave the house."

Mrs. Rodriguez sighed and then twisted the corner of her lips in disappointment.

As she moved to the side, Sarah walked before me, holding my hand, and I walked out after her. Then I rushed to walk down the stairs to the street as she was increasing her speed with every step. It wasn't raining anymore. It looked like a beautiful sunny day had begun from now onwards.

We turned right, a few more steps, and reached the garage.

"Fucking bitch," she said. "What the fuck she thinks she is. My mom even doesn't mind finding me with a boy. Asshole!"

Her words were forcing me to laugh, but I knew she was angry, and I didn't want to make her more angry and upset.

"Please calm down, babe," I said. "Why are you ruining your happiness because of someone else?"

She shook her head as if to return to her normal state. Then she sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry. Let's go." She walked a step forward. Then, she stopped and kept looking at me, amazed. "Wait!"

I looked at her in surprise.

"What did you just say?"

"I said why are you ruin---"

"No. Not that," she said. "Before that, you called me something!"

"Oh, that!" I paused for a bit as I hesitated to say it. Yet I knew I had to say it. "I called you, babe."

"Why are you hesitating to say that."

"I thought you didn't like it."

"I liked it. Call me babe, darling, love, or any other amazing word you've got to make me feel special."

I smiled, looking down and stroking my hair. Everything was going perfect with her.

Why didn't I find her before? Anyway. She's with me now, at least. Then why should I worry?

My smile broadened.

"What are you thinking?" she asked.

I returned to my senses.

"Nothing," I said. I tried to walk, but then stopped, looking at her.

"What now?"

"Thank you for coming into my life," I said, smiling.

"Thank you for coming into my life," she said, smiling back at me.

A moment of exchanging a smile of our bond getting stronger.

Then we sat in the car. Sarah set the GPS to her friend's house in New York, and we were now ready to depart to our destination.